Prepare for a Claim-Free Winter
By Sue C. Quimby, CPCU, AU, CIC, CPIW, DAE, CLP-A – Senior Vice President
A home is a major investment and every precaution should be taken to protect it. As cold weather approaches, now is a good time for agents to partner with their insureds and help reduce the risk of loss. Helping clients understand and mitigate possible freezing/water damage claims is another value-added service of the professional insurance agent.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, losses from winter storms exceeded $3.4 billion per year nationwide in 2023. Water damage/freezing claims – averaging $12,514 each – represent 29.4% of homeowners claims. Some of these claims can be avoided.
A common winter problem is ice damming. Warmer roof temperatures melt snow which subsequently re-freezes in the roof overhang. This produces a “dam” which can back up under the shingles and leak into the house. Insulating and reducing the temperature in the attic can help combat ice damming. The weight of snow buildup can also cause roof damage and may cause the entire roof to collapse. Using a rake to clear the snow from the roof can reduce the chance of damage or collapse.
Proper winterization involves much more than replacing screens with storm doors and windows. For example, gutters and downspouts can collect leaves and debris. If not removed, water can back up, putting unnecessary weight on the gutters and causing them to bend or dislodge. Covering gutters with screens will help keep them clean, but they should still be checked annually for holes or blockages.
Check your property for any trees or limbs that are too close to the house or power lines. Limbs laden with ice or snow become extremely heavy. Trimming them back a safe distance could prevent a power outage or damage to a dwelling or other property. It is recommended that any gutter or tree work be done by a professional to avoid damage or injury. Insulate exterior plumbing and faucets, or turn them off and drain to prevent freezing and potential water damage claims. Pipes in unheated garages, attics and crawl spaces should also be insulated.
Fires during the winter season are a major cause of homeowners insurance claims. Chimneys should be inspected annually, and cleaned regularly. Fireplace and woodstove ash must be kept in a covered, fireproof container until completely cooled. Keep fireplace screens in place to reduce the chance of sparks igniting rugs, wood floors and furniture. Lit candles should never be left unattended. Avoid the use of space heaters whenever possible. However, if one is necessary, then it is advisable to use an electric space heater with an automatic tip over shutoff. Never use space heaters near flammable items. In the kitchen, stovetops, hoods, fans and filters should be cleaned regularly of cooking grease to help prevent a fire.
In addition to property claims, ice and snow can lead to trip and fall and other liability hazards. Keeping a bag of ice melt handy and clearing all sidewalks and driveways promptly will reduce the risk of injuries to your guests or loved ones.
Some homeowners may not have any idea these hazards exist. It is often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Helping clients protect their most valuable asset is the mark of a true insurance professional.
This article is for educational and discussion purposes only and it is not insurance or legal advice and should not be relied upon when making insurance or legal decisions. Nothing herein shall be construed to constitute a legal or underwriting opinion. Nothing herein shall be construed as offering any political, social, or public policy opinion by the author or MSO. Neither the author nor MSO are responsible for errors in, or the accuracy or currentness of, the article.
